Scottie Wilbekin delivered in the decisive moments as Besiktas Istanbul defeated Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz 92-84 on Friday at Buesa Arena, securing its second win of the 2026-27 EuroLeague season.
Wilbekin finished with 24 points, including six three-pointers, and scored the closing baskets to help Besiktas withstand a late Baskonia push. Devon Dotson and Wenyen Gabriel added 14 points apiece, while Jaylen Nowell contributed 12 as Besiktas improved to 2-2, with both victories coming on the road.
The game was dominated by fouls and free throws, with the teams combining for 51 fouls and 59 attempts at the line. Baskonia went 33-for-42 on free throws, while Besiktas converted 15 of its 17 attempts.
Besiktas made an aggressive start under head coach Dusan Alimpijevic, who gave Gabriel his first start alongside Eugene Omoruyi. Wilbekin knocked down two early three-pointers as the visitors built a double-digit lead, but the team’s physical approach also sent Baskonia to the free-throw line repeatedly.
The hosts attempted 18 free throws in the first quarter and 29 in the first half, both EuroLeague records, surpassing previous marks of 17 and 26. Baskonia used those opportunities to recover from its slow start, with Kenneth Faried energizing the home crowd through a powerful dunk and a chase-down block on Gabriel.
Stefan Joksimovic then scored a buzzer-beating layup to give Baskonia a 51-49 halftime advantage.
Wilbekin responded immediately after halftime, opening the third quarter with consecutive three-pointers as Besiktas regained control. The visitors carried a 73-71 lead into the fourth, setting up a tense finish.
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Baskonia refused to go quietly. Chris Duarte led all scorers for the hosts with 23 points, making all 15 of his free throws to tie the club record for consecutive free throws made without a miss. His late scoring helped cut the deficit to 87-82 with just over a minute remaining.
Wilbekin answered with a driving layup before drilling his sixth three-pointer from the corner to put the result beyond doubt. Duarte’s effort was not enough to prevent Baskonia from falling to 1-3.
Besiktas will visit Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv on Wednesday, while Baskonia hosts Dubai Basketball on Tuesday.
